As of: March 5, 2024, 7:13 p.m
By: Hannes Niemeyer
Comments
Press
Split
Söder and the Union candidacy for chancellor – a question that has long been resolved?
In the ARD talk “Miosga”, the CSU boss at least leaves a back door open.
Berlin – Chancellor Markus Söder?
No matter how often the Bavarian Prime Minister emphasizes that his tasks and sphere of influence lie in Bavaria: it still doesn't seem to be completely certain that Söder won't be able to fight for the Union in the fight to succeed Olaf Scholz.
And even if the question should no longer surprise the CSU boss, who is experienced in talking, it still manages to lure him out of his reserve a little.
This also happened on the ARD talk show “Miosga” on Sunday evening (March 3rd).
Söder was a guest there - and was confronted by talk show host Caren Miosga with a direct announcement in a somewhat unconventional way, other than the usual K question.
“This time the matter is already scratched, I think.
“Friedrich Merz is very likely to become a candidate for chancellor – you said you don’t want that,” Miosga went on the offensive.
Söder also sees Merz as the favorite, but apparently doesn't want to rule anything out completely.
At “Miosga” Markus Söder answered questions about the Union’s K question on Sunday evening.
© Screenshot ARD
With an unconventional K question, Miosga lures Söder out of his reserve in the talk - "possibly..."
“I'll just say one thing: If the coalition does hold until the end, then that's a very, very long time,” said Söder about the phase until the next federal election.
Miosga comments with a meaningful “aha”.
The CSU boss mentions that the matter was formally over long ago - only to keep a back door open.
There are “others in the CDU who want to,” he says in the ARD talk, adding a late “maybe.”
In the CSU “no one would want to, except one who could theoretically do it”.
Miosga asks provocatively whether he is sitting opposite her now.
“Possibly, theoretically, that could be the theoretical option,” Söder says in his answer – and even causes quiet laughter in the studio.
A clear denial sounds absolutely different.
It is not the first time that Markus Söder has left such a back door open.
Recently at the Nockherberg in Munich, the CSU leader also spoke on TV about the fact that there is only this office in Bavaria for a Bavarian Prime Minister - “and perhaps also Chancellor”.
However, Söder himself doesn't seem to fully expect that he will become the Union's candidate for the 2025 election.
Chancellor candidate Söder?
The CSU boss describes the “Miosga” option as “unlikely” – but leaves the back door open
“Bayern will do it once, that was the case with Strauss and Stoiber, but it is extremely unlikely a second time,” he continued on “Miosga” on Sunday.
CSU father Franz-Josef Strauss and his crown prince and later successor Edmund Stoiber each made one - unsuccessful - attempt at the chancellery in their time.
In 2021, Söder lost the election of the Union Chancellor candidate in a bitter power struggle against the then CDU leader Armin Laschet.
My news
Putin propagandist wants to destroy four German counterparts for Crimean bridge
Several Russian planes shot down: Ukraine finds out about fighter jet secret
After the Bundeswehr wiretapping scandal: Putin propagandist botches trap for German ambassador
“Totally loving”: When Söder explains the flat Ricarda Lang joke, Miosga sputters
1 hour ago
Taurus power word: Chancellor Basta is not heard
1 hour ago
Union plans new Taurus vote in the Bundestag - Scholz threatens traffic light scandal
The decision on the Union's candidacy for chancellor will not be made until after the elections in East Germany in September.
In addition to Merz, Söder and North Rhine-Westphalia's Prime Minister Hendrik Wüst (CDU) are said to have ambitions to run for chancellor, although none of them have commented on this so far.
In the event of a premature break in the traffic light coalition, Merz is considered the Union's natural candidate, and Söder also said so.